Our research focuses on marine ecosystem responses; understanding
relationships between organisms and their environment and
specific biological and physiological responses to environmental
change.

In particular, we are interested in the mechanisms by which anthropogenic-driven perturbations such as nutrient enrichment and
pollution, global climate change, the presence of coastal structures, or other human
pressures affect coastal habitats and species. We give special focus to commercially important coastal bivalves,
horseshoe crabs, manatees and dolphins.

Juvenile Horseshoe Crab Eating
credit: unknown

We use
a variety of approaches to make these assessments. We measure how perturbations affect habitat and food quality for
consumers, and then determine the extent to which these effects may
be transferred up coastal food webs in terms of change in growth,
survival, and physiology. We also employ natural
abundance stable isotopes to trace N and C sources from consumers to
their food sources and ultimately to N and C sources from land.
We use this information to discern trophic interactions and define linkages between anthropogenic factors
(such as wastewater) and organism responses. These tools also
allow us to assess nutritional importance of food
sources, discern physiological state of organisms, and historically
trace responses to environmental change.

Current Opportunities:

Volunteer opportunties - We periodically select 2-3 undergraduates for 3-month volunteer internships. Please contact econdon@disl.org if you are interested in an intern position in the next 3-6 months